Thomas Hardy's dark and passionate short stories are captivating explorations of love, social class, superstition, and legend. This collection includes many of his best and most representative stories, among which are:

‘The Withered Arm’: a chilling depiction of magic in 19th century England.

‘Barbara of the House of Grebe’: where the tragic disfigurement of a handsome man by fire is ruthlessly exploited by his rival.

‘The Son’s Veto’: which shows the cruelty of an educated youth towards his ignorant yet tender mother.

‘The Distracted Preacher’: the story of a man torn between true love and his moral obligation.

These moving and poetic stories are both astonishingly contemporary and intensely macabre, and undoubtedly rank among the greatest creations of Hardy's genius.

Pages: 368, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm